911 Program

The Minnesota statewide 911 program provides immediate access from all telephones to critical public safety services. The 911 program has been administered by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) since 2003

Minnesota's 911 program

Technical assistance to the cities and counties implementing, maintaining and improving 911 systems
Oversight of system standards
Collection of a statewide fee, which is deposited into the 911 Special Revenue Fund

The 911 Special Revenue Fund is used for:

Statewide 911 program
Wireline telephone company costs to connect to the 911 network
911 public safety answering point (PSAP) equipment and dispatch proficiency expenses
Debt service on the revenue bonds sold to construct the ARMER system, ARMER backbone maintenance and operation costs
Minnesota’s interoperability program
Statewide Emergency Communications Board (SECB)

RapidDeploy resources

ECN has entered into an agreement with RapidDeploy to make their Nimbus computer-aided dispatch solution available to Minnesota's PSAPs. This web-based platform serves as a valuable tool to support PSAP Continuity of Operation activities and coordinate response efforts across multiple jurisdictions during special events, emergencies and disasters.

Transitioning from the current system to NextGen911

Communications technology has changed significantly since the nation’s 911 system was first introduced in 1968. Since that time, the methods that 911 callers use to access emergency services have shifted away from landline phones to wireless devices capable of voice, text and multimedia communication. Though the current 911 system has served the nation well for decades, it has reached the limit of what it can do. It simply can’t take advantage of new technologies that will bring greater speed, accuracy and efficiency in the ability to route, process and act upon requests for emergency assistance.

Minnesota’s NextGen911 transition is currently in progress. When fully deployed, it will introduce new features and functionality that we can only dream of today. Once the key components of the new system are in place, Public Safety Telecommunicators (PSTs) across the state will be able to receive, analyze and act upon information obtained from a wide variety of sources beyond traditional landline and cellular telephones. NextGen911 will allow PSTs to interact with devices such as computers, smart sensors, alarm systems, vehicle telematics, smart speakers, medical devices and more.

Featured content

NextGen 911 system

Next Generation 911 (commonly referred to as NG911) is a digital, internet protocol (IP)-based system that will replace the analog 911 infrastructure that’s been in place for decades.

Current state 911 system

In 2009, the Department of Public Safety and Metropolitan Emergency Services Board hired a contractor to build a statewide transitional plan to an internet-based 911 solution called next generation 911. By 2014, all dispatch centers in Minnesota had access to the system, which is maintained, managed, and monitored by a single 911 service provider.

Text-to-911

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Emergency Communication Networks division is pleased to announce that text-to-911 service is now available statewide. text-to-911 is an alternative option to calling 911 in an emergency.

Service provider and telephone fees

This page provides information about the 911 fee and other Minnesota telephone fees.

911 job opportunities

We're hiring 911 dispatchers and we need you. You just may be the answer for us. You're detail focused, steady under pressure, a team player, and possess a calm compassion. You have keen listening skills and are a master multi-tasker. So many like you have chosen this career. This isn't a job for everyone. But it could be for everyone like you.

Competitive local exchange centers (CLEC)

Before providing local service in a service area, a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) must submit a comprehensive plan detailing how it will provide 911 service to its customers in a manner consistent with applicable law and comparable to the provision of 911 service by the local exchange carrier (LEC) operating in the competitive local exchange carrier's service area.